October Europe Trip Itinerary
Feb 3rd, 2022, 05:15 AM
#81
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Take a day trip to Siena from Florence. (I like Siena better, BTW). Also, I like Krakow better than Budapest.
My standard advice for Europe is to rent a car, if you can manage it, for at least three days for a two week trip. In your case, I might consider doing that during the Avignon and/or Nice segment, in which case you don't really have to stay in those cities at all, pick a village instead.
My standard advice for Europe is to rent a car, if you can manage it, for at least three days for a two week trip. In your case, I might consider doing that during the Avignon and/or Nice segment, in which case you don't really have to stay in those cities at all, pick a village instead.
Feb 3rd, 2022, 07:29 AM
#82
Miacharlie-just where in Australia do you live?
I ask because you want to go to the Riviera; are there no beaches in Australia?
Your itinerary smacks of "while I'm in Sydney, I'll take a day trip to Ayers Rock"., or a "day trip to the Great Barrier Reef"
Other impressions: Avignon is a nice stop on the TGV to get off, but as a town to tour, it left us cold, even after touring the town first on a pedicab. As a base to see nearby towns, though, it's ok, but only for that. Aix en Provence is the next stop on the TGV, and it's a nicer base just on its own.
FWIW, if you're interested in architecture, I found Budapest more interesting in that respect than Prague. Prague has the castle, and an interesting "feeling" in the center city, but Budapest had a "vibe" to it. Someone there told us that during the 1890s, there were 10,000 apartment buildings erected in Pest, and to me, they all had interesting architectures...all different, none the same, but none junky....out of 10,000.
In my opinion, major cities pretty much all look the same, whether Sydney, Chicago, London, Munich, or Marseille. Yes, they will have attractions such as museums and palaces, but you haven't expressed interest in such. I think the uniqueness of a country is found in smaller locales; Lyon or Sarlat or Vaison la Romaine in France, numerous towns in Bavaria, Cesky Krumlov in CZ, etc.
These countries each have unique 'cultures', but your itinerary (e.g. day 2, running tour of Paris) doesn't enable you to savor same. I picture you running through a flower market, and next day, just remembering a blur of color, but no odors, no unique flowers. Ya gotta take time to smell the roses.
I ask because you want to go to the Riviera; are there no beaches in Australia?
Your itinerary smacks of "while I'm in Sydney, I'll take a day trip to Ayers Rock"., or a "day trip to the Great Barrier Reef"
Other impressions: Avignon is a nice stop on the TGV to get off, but as a town to tour, it left us cold, even after touring the town first on a pedicab. As a base to see nearby towns, though, it's ok, but only for that. Aix en Provence is the next stop on the TGV, and it's a nicer base just on its own.
FWIW, if you're interested in architecture, I found Budapest more interesting in that respect than Prague. Prague has the castle, and an interesting "feeling" in the center city, but Budapest had a "vibe" to it. Someone there told us that during the 1890s, there were 10,000 apartment buildings erected in Pest, and to me, they all had interesting architectures...all different, none the same, but none junky....out of 10,000.
In my opinion, major cities pretty much all look the same, whether Sydney, Chicago, London, Munich, or Marseille. Yes, they will have attractions such as museums and palaces, but you haven't expressed interest in such. I think the uniqueness of a country is found in smaller locales; Lyon or Sarlat or Vaison la Romaine in France, numerous towns in Bavaria, Cesky Krumlov in CZ, etc.
These countries each have unique 'cultures', but your itinerary (e.g. day 2, running tour of Paris) doesn't enable you to savor same. I picture you running through a flower market, and next day, just remembering a blur of color, but no odors, no unique flowers. Ya gotta take time to smell the roses.
Feb 3rd, 2022, 01:17 PM
#84
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Miacharlie-just where in Australia do you live?
I ask because you want to go to the Riviera; are there no beaches in Australia?
Your itinerary smacks of "while I'm in Sydney, I'll take a day trip to Ayers Rock"., or a "day trip to the Great Barrier Reef"
These countries each have unique 'cultures', but your itinerary (e.g. day 2, running tour of Paris) doesn't enable you to savor same. I picture you running through a flower market, and next day, just remembering a blur of color, but no odors, no unique flowers. Ya gotta take time to smell the roses.
I ask because you want to go to the Riviera; are there no beaches in Australia?
Your itinerary smacks of "while I'm in Sydney, I'll take a day trip to Ayers Rock"., or a "day trip to the Great Barrier Reef"
These countries each have unique 'cultures', but your itinerary (e.g. day 2, running tour of Paris) doesn't enable you to savor same. I picture you running through a flower market, and next day, just remembering a blur of color, but no odors, no unique flowers. Ya gotta take time to smell the roses.
But i'll humour you and address a few things.
You can't possibly think going to beach in Australia will feel the same as going to the beach in France or Italy. I don't even mean to 'go to the beach', but explore the coastal towns and enjoy the culture and landscape. And even if i did go to the beach, as i've done in Vietnam and Malaysia when i visited, it's still worthwhile.
I will definitely be smelling the roses in my current itinerary, don't you worry. And i'm sticking to major cities and taking day trips out simply because i like the city, i like the culture, architecture, and yes, the museums and even a few tourists traps. And... because i want to. Simple as that.
I'm going to be visiting the smaller towns and/or countryside in each place anyway, planning a day trip in each destination. As for Avignon vs Aix, well , i'll be looking into it.
Feb 3rd, 2022, 01:49 PM
#85
Ha! Took the bait, and I smoked out some more of your interests!!!
After all, it WAS only 3 weeks ago (post #63) that you described your running tour of Paris.
I suspect you'll like Budapest. There's an avenue a few blocks away from the center called Liszt Ter you might check out. The avenue/boulevard had a lot of outdoor cafes; looked attractive, vibrant
After all, it WAS only 3 weeks ago (post #63) that you described your running tour of Paris.
I suspect you'll like Budapest. There's an avenue a few blocks away from the center called Liszt Ter you might check out. The avenue/boulevard had a lot of outdoor cafes; looked attractive, vibrant
Feb 3rd, 2022, 02:04 PM
#86
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Ha! Took the bait, and I smoked out some more of your interests!!!
After all, it WAS only 3 weeks ago (post #63) that you described your running tour of Paris.
I suspect you'll like Budapest. There's an avenue a few blocks away from the center called Liszt Ter you might check out. The avenue/boulevard had a lot of outdoor cafes; looked attractive, vibrant
After all, it WAS only 3 weeks ago (post #63) that you described your running tour of Paris.
I suspect you'll like Budapest. There's an avenue a few blocks away from the center called Liszt Ter you might check out. The avenue/boulevard had a lot of outdoor cafes; looked attractive, vibrant
Thanks for the recommendation! I'm looking forward to Budapest, and everywhere else too.
Feb 4th, 2022, 09:22 AM
#87
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Stay in Florence and visit Siena (75 minutes on bus) and Venice (2.5 hours on train) as day trips. Or go on a wine tour. More relaxing and you'll see and remember more.
Last edited by AboutAbruzzo; Feb 4th, 2022 at 09:34 AM.
Feb 7th, 2022, 06:06 PM
#88
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Trip with Dad. https://goo.gl/maps/AQbcj5ynULpZuoNbA 33 Nights- Paris 6, St Remy 4, Nice 4, Florence 5, Venice 3, Ljubljana 3, Budapest 4, Prague 4.
Day 1- Arrive Paris am
Day 2- Paris
Day 3- Paris
Day 4- Paris
Day 5- Paris
Day 6- Paris
Day 7- St-Remy-de-Provence. (Train TGV Paris to Avignon-3 hrs). Rent your car and drive 30 min to St-Remy for 4 nights)
Day 8- St-Remy. Day Trip to Pont du Gard and Avignon.
Day 9- St-Remy. Day Trip to Les Baux de Provence and Carrieres des Lumieres, and Arles
Day 10- St-Remy. Day Trip to Luberon hill towns
Day 11- Nice. Drive St Remy to to Nice (2 hrs50). Visit St. Paul de Vence.
Day 12- Nice. Visit Eze-le-Village and Monaco .Return Rental car.
Day 13- Nice. Visit Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat.
Day 14- Nice. Explore Nice.
Day 15- Florence. (Train Nice to Florence-7-1/2 hrs)
Day 16- Florence. (Explore Florence)
Day 17- Florence. Day trip to Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Chianti. Organized tour or rent a car.
Day 18- Florence. Day trip/scenic drive to southern Tuscany-Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano. Organized tour or rent a car.
Day 19- Florence. Whatever you missed on previous days.
Day 20- Venice. Train Florence to Venice (2-3 hours)
Day 21- Venice. (Explore Venice)
Day 22- Venice. (Explore Venice)
Day 23- Ljubljana. (Travel Venice to Ljubljana). (Bus 3-4 hrs or Train 5-6 hrs)
Day 24- Ljubljana. Day trip Lake Bled and/or Postojna Caves
Day 25- Ljubljana. (Explore Ljubljana).
Day 26- Budapest, (Travel Ljubljana to Budapest). (Bus 6-7 hrs or Train 7-1/2 hrs)
Day 27- Budapest
Day 28- Budapest
Day 29- Budapest
Day 30- Prague (Travel Budapest to Prague). (Fly 2 hrs or Train 7 hrs)
Day 31- Prague
Day 32- Prague (Day trip Cesky Krumlov)
Day 33- Prague
Day 34- Fly home out of Prague
Day 1- Arrive Paris am
Day 2- Paris
Day 3- Paris
Day 4- Paris
Day 5- Paris
Day 6- Paris
Day 7- St-Remy-de-Provence. (Train TGV Paris to Avignon-3 hrs). Rent your car and drive 30 min to St-Remy for 4 nights)
Day 8- St-Remy. Day Trip to Pont du Gard and Avignon.
Day 9- St-Remy. Day Trip to Les Baux de Provence and Carrieres des Lumieres, and Arles
Day 10- St-Remy. Day Trip to Luberon hill towns
Day 11- Nice. Drive St Remy to to Nice (2 hrs50). Visit St. Paul de Vence.
Day 12- Nice. Visit Eze-le-Village and Monaco .Return Rental car.
Day 13- Nice. Visit Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat.
Day 14- Nice. Explore Nice.
Day 15- Florence. (Train Nice to Florence-7-1/2 hrs)
Day 16- Florence. (Explore Florence)
Day 17- Florence. Day trip to Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Chianti. Organized tour or rent a car.
Day 18- Florence. Day trip/scenic drive to southern Tuscany-Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano. Organized tour or rent a car.
Day 19- Florence. Whatever you missed on previous days.
Day 20- Venice. Train Florence to Venice (2-3 hours)
Day 21- Venice. (Explore Venice)
Day 22- Venice. (Explore Venice)
Day 23- Ljubljana. (Travel Venice to Ljubljana). (Bus 3-4 hrs or Train 5-6 hrs)
Day 24- Ljubljana. Day trip Lake Bled and/or Postojna Caves
Day 25- Ljubljana. (Explore Ljubljana).
Day 26- Budapest, (Travel Ljubljana to Budapest). (Bus 6-7 hrs or Train 7-1/2 hrs)
Day 27- Budapest
Day 28- Budapest
Day 29- Budapest
Day 30- Prague (Travel Budapest to Prague). (Fly 2 hrs or Train 7 hrs)
Day 31- Prague
Day 32- Prague (Day trip Cesky Krumlov)
Day 33- Prague
Day 34- Fly home out of Prague
Feb 7th, 2022, 08:25 PM
#89
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I would change a few things.
I love Paris, but would take one day from Paris and add it someplace else.
Take the earliest TGV Train to Avignon, store luggage in the train station or nearby hotel storage. Tour Avignon that afternoon. That frees up time the next couple of days because Arles may need more than an afternoon.
On the way to Nice, stop for a few hours at least in Aix. Have lunch. Or stop in one of the coastal towns, or Marseille.
In Florence, day 17 is not reasonable. Save Pisa and do it in combination with Lucca on your own by train from Florence. It is very easy.
Depart early from Florence and stop for lunch in Bologna. Ask for recommendations because I do not remember the name of where we ate, but I do believe Bologna has the best food anywhere.
I love Paris, but would take one day from Paris and add it someplace else.
Take the earliest TGV Train to Avignon, store luggage in the train station or nearby hotel storage. Tour Avignon that afternoon. That frees up time the next couple of days because Arles may need more than an afternoon.
On the way to Nice, stop for a few hours at least in Aix. Have lunch. Or stop in one of the coastal towns, or Marseille.
In Florence, day 17 is not reasonable. Save Pisa and do it in combination with Lucca on your own by train from Florence. It is very easy.
Depart early from Florence and stop for lunch in Bologna. Ask for recommendations because I do not remember the name of where we ate, but I do believe Bologna has the best food anywhere.
Feb 8th, 2022, 06:49 AM
#90
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SIena is worth a whole day. It has 17 contrade (neighborhoods) each with its own flag, museum, totem, songs, traditional clothing, especially if you go on a Saturday you might get to see more of this on display or in the streets. The contrade compete in the palio, the bareback horse race on the Campo, twice a year.
Pisa is a photo op, I guess.
Sounds like a glorious trip. I am guessing you will cut back on some of these day trips as you go along.
Pisa is a photo op, I guess.
Sounds like a glorious trip. I am guessing you will cut back on some of these day trips as you go along.
Feb 8th, 2022, 10:16 AM
#91
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Hi Sassafrass, responce to your suggestions:
>>I love Paris, but would take one day from Paris and add it someplace else. <<
I agree but with one exception. If Charlie wants to do a 14+ hour day trip to a block buster destination like Mont St Michel or the D-Day Beaches I would leave it as is.
I even thought about adding Zagreb with a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park after Ljubljana and before Budapest.
>>Take the earliest TGV Train to Avignon, store luggage in the train station or nearby hotel storage. Tour Avignon that afternoon.
That frees up time the next couple of days because Arles may need more than an afternoon. <<
Good option.In Charlies case, they would rent a car at Avignon TGV drive to the underground parking near the city walls near the Palais des Papes and then do their exploring.
In Provence you need to keep your luggage hidden in the "trunk" of your car.Then drive to their hotel in St Remy.
nursery rhyme Sur Le Pont D'avignon St Benezet Bridge
>>On the way to Nice, stop for a few hours at least in Aix. Have lunch. Or stop in one of the coastal towns, or Marseille<<. Good options.
>>In Florence, day 17 is not reasonable. Save Pisa and do it in combination with Lucca on your own by train from Florence. It is very easy. <<
Somebody does it.But it does seem unreasonable.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Florenc...d519-6367TOUR7
I have never been to Lucca.
>>Depart early from Florence and stop for lunch in Bologna. << You have to be a real foodie to do this!
>>I love Paris, but would take one day from Paris and add it someplace else. <<
I agree but with one exception. If Charlie wants to do a 14+ hour day trip to a block buster destination like Mont St Michel or the D-Day Beaches I would leave it as is.
I even thought about adding Zagreb with a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park after Ljubljana and before Budapest.
>>Take the earliest TGV Train to Avignon, store luggage in the train station or nearby hotel storage. Tour Avignon that afternoon.
That frees up time the next couple of days because Arles may need more than an afternoon. <<
Good option.In Charlies case, they would rent a car at Avignon TGV drive to the underground parking near the city walls near the Palais des Papes and then do their exploring.
In Provence you need to keep your luggage hidden in the "trunk" of your car.Then drive to their hotel in St Remy.
>>On the way to Nice, stop for a few hours at least in Aix. Have lunch. Or stop in one of the coastal towns, or Marseille<<. Good options.
>>In Florence, day 17 is not reasonable. Save Pisa and do it in combination with Lucca on your own by train from Florence. It is very easy. <<
Somebody does it.But it does seem unreasonable.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Florenc...d519-6367TOUR7
I have never been to Lucca.
>>Depart early from Florence and stop for lunch in Bologna. << You have to be a real foodie to do this!
Feb 10th, 2022, 05:07 PM
#93
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The above itinerary isn't mine btw. I'm not going to be trying to do Arles in an afternoon. I'd love to visit Arles but I'll just have to see if i can fit it in.
From Nice I intend to visit Menton and Ventemiglia, although i have a feeling both of those places will need more than half a day. I'll just see how it goes and do more research.
The other day out from Nice will be a costal tour, probably something like this: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attra...nce_Alpes.html
Maybe i will stop in Aix on the way to Nice, although it'll be a little out of the way. I will have the whole day for travelling though so it'll be doable.
As for Florence, I'll use one day for museums and other must-dos, one for just walking around and seeing the sights(maybe a food tour), and one for a trip out somewhere like this: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attra...ence-Flor.html
From Nice I intend to visit Menton and Ventemiglia, although i have a feeling both of those places will need more than half a day. I'll just see how it goes and do more research.
The other day out from Nice will be a costal tour, probably something like this: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attra...nce_Alpes.html
Maybe i will stop in Aix on the way to Nice, although it'll be a little out of the way. I will have the whole day for travelling though so it'll be doable.
As for Florence, I'll use one day for museums and other must-dos, one for just walking around and seeing the sights(maybe a food tour), and one for a trip out somewhere like this: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attra...ence-Flor.html
Mar 13th, 2022, 02:37 PM
#95
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Yet again, changing the itinerary, after a discussion with my travel partner. He wants to see Chamonix, after his last trip got interrupted by a broken leg and he couldn't enjoy it properly. We'll be spending a full day there to see what he wants to see. This time the trip ends in Rome, just trying to steer clear of the conflict right now. We'll also be flying back to Paris from Rome bc it seems to be cheaper than a multi city ticket.
October Sat 8- Fly
Sun 9- arrive in Paris
Mon 10- Paris (explore city)
Tues 11- Paris (day trip Loire Valley)
Wed 12- Paris (explore city)
Thurs 13- Paris (day trip Versailles)
Fri 14- Paris (rest)
Sat 15- Travel to Chamonix
Sun 16- Chamonix
Mon 17- Travel to Nice
Tues 18- Nice (day trip Avignon)
Wed 19- Nice (local)
Thurs 20- Nice (day trip Menton/Ventimiglia)
Fri 21- Nice (local)
Sat 22- Nice (day trip Eze swim)
Sun 23- Travel to Florence
Mon 24- Florence (explore town)
Tues 25- Florence (day trip Tuscany)
Wed 26- Florence (day trip Cinque Terre/La Spieza)
Thurs 27- Florence (day trip Siena)
Fri 28- Florence (day trip Venice)
Sat 29- Florence (rest)
Sun 30- Travel to Rome
Mon 31- Rome (explore town)
Tues 1- Rome (day trip Tivoli)
Wed 2- Rome (day trip Naples/Pompeii)
Thurs 3- Rome (day trip Portofino)
Fri 4 – fly Rome to Paris, last day explore Paris
Sat 5- fly out
October Sat 8- Fly
Sun 9- arrive in Paris
Mon 10- Paris (explore city)
Tues 11- Paris (day trip Loire Valley)
Wed 12- Paris (explore city)
Thurs 13- Paris (day trip Versailles)
Fri 14- Paris (rest)
Sat 15- Travel to Chamonix
Sun 16- Chamonix
Mon 17- Travel to Nice
Tues 18- Nice (day trip Avignon)
Wed 19- Nice (local)
Thurs 20- Nice (day trip Menton/Ventimiglia)
Fri 21- Nice (local)
Sat 22- Nice (day trip Eze swim)
Sun 23- Travel to Florence
Mon 24- Florence (explore town)
Tues 25- Florence (day trip Tuscany)
Wed 26- Florence (day trip Cinque Terre/La Spieza)
Thurs 27- Florence (day trip Siena)
Fri 28- Florence (day trip Venice)
Sat 29- Florence (rest)
Sun 30- Travel to Rome
Mon 31- Rome (explore town)
Tues 1- Rome (day trip Tivoli)
Wed 2- Rome (day trip Naples/Pompeii)
Thurs 3- Rome (day trip Portofino)
Fri 4 – fly Rome to Paris, last day explore Paris
Sat 5- fly out
Mar 13th, 2022, 03:44 PM
#96
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You really, seriously need to get a good map. This last itinerary is out of nowhere and not good at all. There most be some mistake. Perhaps accidentally copied parts of old itineraries?
A day trip from Nice back to Avignon makes absolutely no sense. I know someone else mentioned that earlier.
Day trips from Florence to Venice and to Cinque Terra are not actually a good plan. Do at least one or both (and Portofino) between Nice and Florence.
Since you want only to explore Florence one day and rest there one day, and want to see at least two places that are not really close, rethink your itinerary so it includes Venice and the CT as part of the overall plan with overnights, and rest in one of those places.
Surely, you do not mean Portofino as a day trip from Rome! That must be a mistake!
However, if you do mean Portofino, then put it on your plan before the CT, Venice and Florence, certainly not from Rome!
Paris does not seem too overdone, so you may not need a whole rest day.
A day trip from Nice back to Avignon makes absolutely no sense. I know someone else mentioned that earlier.
Day trips from Florence to Venice and to Cinque Terra are not actually a good plan. Do at least one or both (and Portofino) between Nice and Florence.
Since you want only to explore Florence one day and rest there one day, and want to see at least two places that are not really close, rethink your itinerary so it includes Venice and the CT as part of the overall plan with overnights, and rest in one of those places.
Surely, you do not mean Portofino as a day trip from Rome! That must be a mistake!
However, if you do mean Portofino, then put it on your plan before the CT, Venice and Florence, certainly not from Rome!
Paris does not seem too overdone, so you may not need a whole rest day.
Mar 13th, 2022, 03:49 PM
#97
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How much will the cost of flying back to Paris from Rome, and two more taxis into Paris and back to the airport in Paris, add to your costs? That might make the multi-city ticket more attractive.
Mar 13th, 2022, 03:55 PM
#98
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Again, there are a lot of tours from Florence, which include Cinque Terre and Venice. I'm not going to complicate the trip with more overnight stops to keep track of when Florence can be used as a base for these places.
As for Portofino, you're right, it was a mistake. I meant Positano.
I'm trying to keep this trip as simple as i can by using the bigger cities as bases for day trips instead of a few nights here and there at different places.
Mar 13th, 2022, 04:00 PM
#99
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No taxis, just train/bus. I've already calculated the cost. It's cheaper that way since we're trying to stick to 1 stopover in order not to exhaust ourselves, and the cheaper multi-city flights have at least 2.
